Jonesville business gets into holiday spirit

Saturday

Dec 14, 2013 at 7:00 PM

By Nancy HastingsTwitter: @nhastingsHDNJONESVILLE ó The owners of Treasures Etc. in Jonesville believe their village is filled with generosity, so inspiring others to light the way with some holiday cheer is contagious.Theresa and Tim Walker are brightening their storefront with a Christmas village in hopes other area businesses and individuals will join in to help light the way for families in the dark this holiday season."We have a Christmas village set up in the front window, where we are asking people to sponsor a house and then it will be lit up," Theresa said. "Each of the proceeds from the houses will go to Domestic Harmony in Hillsdale."Domestic Harmony serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing safe shelter, a 24-hour crisis line and supportive counseling services.Their son, John, who works at the store and who has an eye for antiques, got the idea back in September when he "dug out" some childhood Christmas treasures ó a collection of village houses and scenery he grew up with."In November, I started assembling and deciding where the village people should go," John said. "Itís the same set I used to organize as a kid."Now 30, John said he remembers how each year his father would bring home a new addition to add to the village and he would organize things, telling his mother how the village should be set up."You have to have firemen by the fire station and policemen where they need to be," he said, noting thereís a certain order that just makes sense.The collection has more than 20 buildings including a church, train station and numerous houses. A skating pond was a recent addition and houses of parliament are on the wish list, Theresa said."The first year I got something was after Tim and I were married 38 years ago," Theresa said. "John took an interest and itís been his thing since."The village light-up project will begin Dec. 15 and go through Jan. 15. Businesses or individuals can donate $20 a house or two people can give $10 each to have a house lit up."If there are no homes left, weíll still take donations," John said, noting he will pass out flyers to area businesses soon.With his drafting skills, he also hopes to create a map with names for display to show who has donated to the cause."It puts money in the hands that need it," John said. "And, this is the time of year families at Domestic Harmony can use the help."Though he knew there are other organizations also in need, he, along with others in the store, felt "staying local would make the most impact.""And, sometime down the road, say five or 10 years later, someone weíve helped will pass it along," he said.The project isnít the first of its kind the family has done. Theresa said she collects shampoos and lotions from her travels and after the holidays, donates them to shelters like Domestic Harmony."It means a lot to them because sometimes those women donít have anything but whatís on their back," she said.Her family has also sponsored different families by providing a tree and presents throughout the years, sometimes forgoing gift exchanges of their own in order to do so.John said he hopes to collect around $500 for the shelter, but knows any amount will be appreciated.Shelter Director Julia Denig said the gesture shows how "wonderful and strong the community is.""It was such a unique idea and when we found out about it, we were again very grateful that the community thinks of Domestic Harmony and what it does for people," Denig said.For more information on how to donate toward the light-up village scene project for Domestic Harmony, call John at 607-8339.